Maine 2026-2027 Hunt Planner – Zones, Species & Permit Insights
Planning a fall deer trip, a spring gobbler chase, or a frosty duck morning on the coast? This guide pulls together the latest posted 2026–2027 dates, bag limits, permit notes, and Wildlife Management District details into one beginner-friendly page. You’ll find quick tables for major species, zone tips, access info, and the little state-specific rules that tend to trip people up the first time out.
Overview On Maine Hunting Season 2026-2027
Deer opens with expanded archery on September 12, 2026, regular archery starts October 3, firearms begins November 2, and the late muzzleloader windows run into December. Bear activity ramps up even earlier, with youth days on August 28–29 and the general opportunity starting August 31. Moose remains permit-only, with three separate windows by Wildlife Management District. Turkey splits into spring and fall by district, and waterfowl keeps its usual north, south, and coastal zone structure.
A few timely updates matter this year. Antlerless deer applications open June 25, 2026, the drawing is August 13, permit payment is due by September 10, and extra permits go on sale September 15 and again September 29. Also, hunters may take one deer of either sex under a standard license statewide during regular archery and youth days, and in WMDs 21–25 and 29 during firearms and muzzleloader. One more heads-up: the official 2026–2027 page still shows carry-over dates for fox and nighttime coyote, so those two entries deserve a last-minute recheck before you build a trip around them.
Quick-Glance Table: Key Species, Dates & Methods
| Species | 2026-2027 Dates | Method Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer – Expanded Archery | Sept. 12-Dec. 12, 2026 | Designated areas only; archery/crossbow |
| Deer – Regular Archery | Oct. 3-Oct. 30, 2026 | Statewide |
| Deer – Firearms | Nov. 2-Nov. 28, 2026 | Statewide |
| Deer – Muzzleloader | Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2026 statewide; Dec. 7-Dec. 12 in select WMDs | Permit required during muzzleloader period |
| Bear | Aug. 31-Nov. 28, 2026 | Firearm/archery; bait, dogs, and trapping have separate windows |
| Moose | Sept. 28-Oct. 3; Oct. 12-Oct. 17; Oct. 26-Oct. 31, 2026 | Permit-only, WMD-specific |
| Fall Wild Turkey | Sept. 14-Nov. 7, 2026 | Archery equipment or shotgun; WMD-specific bag limits |
| Spring Wild Turkey | May 4-June 6, 2026 | Archery equipment or shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse / Quail | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 | Upland shotgun opportunity |
| Pheasant | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 | Permit required in Cumberland and York counties |
| Gray Squirrel | Sept. 26, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027 | Small game |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept. 26, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027 | Island of Vinalhaven closes Feb. 27, 2027 |
| Bobcat | Dec. 1, 2026-Feb. 20, 2027 | Big game license required |
| Ducks | Zone-based, Sept. 28, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 depending on zone | State waterfowl permit + federal duck stamp |
| Canada Goose | Zone-based, Sept. 1, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 depending on zone | Early and regular splits |
All Big Games: Archery & Rifle
Deer 🦌
| Deer Opportunity | Area | Dates | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded Archery | Designated areas only | Sept. 12-Dec. 12, 2026 | Special permits may be needed |
| Regular Archery | All WMDs | Oct. 3-Oct. 30, 2026 | One deer of either sex allowed statewide under standard license during this period |
| Youth Deer Hunt | Statewide | Oct. 23-24, 2026 | Great entry point for new families |
| Resident-Only Day | Statewide | Oct. 31, 2026 | Special access day for residents; landowning nonresidents may qualify under IFW rules |
| Firearms | Statewide | Nov. 2-Nov. 28, 2026 | Classic rifle week-plus stretch |
| Muzzleloader | Statewide | Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2026 | Muzzleloader permit required |
| Muzzleloader | WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26, 29 | Dec. 7-Dec. 12, 2026 | Extra late chance in select districts |
Deer tag notes
- One antlered deer is the annual standard limit.
- Either-sex opportunity on a regular license applies statewide during regular archery and youth days.
- During firearms and muzzleloader, either-sex opportunity without an antlerless permit applies in WMDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 29.
- Extra antlerless permits: application opens June 25, drawing August 13, payment due September 10, extra sales September 15 and September 29.
Bear 🐻
- Youth bear days: August 28-29, 2026
- General bear opportunity: August 31-November 28, 2026
- Bait window: August 31-September 26, 2026
- Bait placement may begin: August 1, 2026
- Bear trapping: September 1-October 31, 2026
- Youth bear with dogs day: September 12, 2026
- Bear with dogs: September 14-October 30, 2026
- Dog training period: July 1-August 27, 2026
A resident bear permit is $10. Nonresidents pay $74 for the full run, or $40 for the late bear permit that’s valid only during the firearms deer period. If dogs are involved, the separate dog training/hunting permit matters too.
Moose 🫎
Maine’s moose hunt is permit-only, and honestly, it’s one of those bucket-list draws that feels half lottery ticket and half wilderness dream.
- Bull-only, WMDs 1-6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 27, 28: Sept. 28-Oct. 3, 2026
- Bull-only, WMDs 1-15, 17-19, 27, 28: Oct. 12-Oct. 17, 2026
- Antlerless-only, WMDs 1-6, 8: Oct. 26-Oct. 31, 2026
Permit notes
- Resident moose permit: $52
- Nonresident moose permit: $585
- 2026 drawing: June 20
- Purchase deadline for successful applicants: July 16, 2026
No elk note: There is no general elk opportunity listed by IFW for this cycle.
Turkey Season: Spring, Fall, Youth 🦃
- Spring (WMDs 7 and 9-29): May 4-June 6, 2026 — 2 bearded birds
- Spring (WMDs 1-6 and 8): May 4-June 6, 2026 — 1 bearded bird
- Youth spring days: May 1-2, 2026
- Fall, WMDs 15-17 and 20-25: Sept. 14-Nov. 7, 2026 — up to 5 birds
- Fall, WMD 26: Sept. 14-Nov. 7, 2026 — up to 3 birds
- Fall, WMD 28: Sept. 14-Nov. 7, 2026 — up to 2 birds
- Fall, WMDs 3, 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, 29: Sept. 14-Nov. 7, 2026 — 1 bird
- Closed in fall: WMDs 1, 2, 4, 5, 9
- Youth fall day: Sept. 12, 2026
Turkey permit cost: $20. Daily limit in fall is no more than two birds, but you still can’t exceed the district cap.
Furbearers Season
- Bobcat: Dec. 1, 2026-Feb. 20, 2027 — no limit
- Raccoon: Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2026 — no limit
- Skunk / Opossum: Oct. 19-Dec. 31, 2026 — no limit
- Coyote (daylight): no closed season
- Coyote night pursuit: IFW currently shows Dec. 16, 2025-Aug. 31, 2026 on the latest page; treat this as a carry-over posting and verify before going
- Fox: the current IFW 2026-2027 page still shows Oct. 20, 2025-Feb. 28, 2026, which appears to be an old entry; verify before planning a fox trip
That last bit is annoying, sure, but better an honest warning than pretending a typo doesn’t exist.
Upland Birds Season
| Species | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 | 4 | 8 |
| Pheasant | Sept. 26-Dec. 31, 2026 | 2 | 4 |
Pheasant permit note: In Cumberland and York counties, a $27 pheasant permit is required.
Upland Animals Season
| Species | Dates | Daily Limit | Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gray Squirrel | Sept. 26, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027 | 4 | 8 |
| Gray Squirrel (Falconry) | Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 27, 2027 | 4 | 8 |
| Snowshoe Hare | Sept. 26, 2026-Mar. 31, 2027 | 4 | 8 |
| Snowshoe Hare – Vinalhaven only | Sept. 26, 2026-Feb. 27, 2027 | 4 | 8 |
That Vinalhaven early close is exactly the kind of local quirk people miss if they only skim a chart.
Other Small Games Season
| Species | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woodchuck | No closed period | No limit posted on the season chart |
| Porcupine | No closed period | Always confirm local land access rules |
| Red Squirrel | No closed period | Included on official “other species” list |
| Mourning Dove | Not listed on the 2026-2027 IFW page | Do not assume an opener |
| Cottontail Rabbit | No open period | Closed |
| Spruce Grouse | No open period | Closed |
| Lynx | No open period | Closed/protected |
Migratory Birds Season
| Species | Dates | Daily / Possession |
|---|---|---|
| Woodcock | Sept. 26-Nov. 17, 2026 | 3 / 9 |
| Common Snipe | Sept. 1, 2026-Jan. 2, 2027 | 8 / 24 |
| Rails (Sora & Virginia) | Sept. 1-Nov. 20, 2026 | 25 / 25 |
| Crows, WMDs 1-6 | Official page still shows prior-cycle dates | Recheck before going |
| Crows, WMDs 7-29 | Official page still shows prior-cycle dates | Recheck before going |
Remember that woodcock and snipe are treated as migratory game birds, not waterfowl, so some gear rules differ from ducks and geese.
Ducks, Scaup, Mergansers, Geese Season 🦆
Ducks by Zone
| Zone | Dates | Daily / Possession |
|---|---|---|
| North | Sept. 28-Dec. 5, 2026 | 6 / 18 |
| South | Oct. 1-Oct. 10, 2026; Oct. 29-Dec. 25, 2026 | 6 / 18 |
| Coastal | Oct. 3-Oct. 10, 2026; Nov. 5, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 | 6 / 18 |
Canada Goose
| Goose Opportunity | Zone | Dates | Daily / Possession |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Canada Goose | North | Sept. 1-Sept. 25, 2026 | 8 / 24 |
| Early Canada Goose | South | Sept. 1-Sept. 25, 2026 | 10 / 30 |
| Early Canada Goose | Coastal | Sept. 1-Sept. 25, 2026 | 10 / 30 |
| Regular Canada Goose / White-fronted | North | Oct. 1-Dec. 9, 2026 | 2 / 6 |
| Regular Canada Goose / White-fronted | South | Oct. 1-Oct. 10, 2026; Oct. 29-Dec. 25, 2026 | 3 / 9 |
| Regular Canada Goose / White-fronted | Coastal | Oct. 3-Oct. 10, 2026; Oct. 24, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 | 3 / 9 |
Duck Exception Notes
- Scaup: 1 daily / 3 possession
- Hen eider: 1 daily within eider rules
- Black duck, redhead, hen mallard, canvasback, eider: 2 daily / 6 possession
- Mallards: 4 daily, only 2 hens
- Mergansers: 5 extra in aggregate, possession 15
- Sea ducks: 4 total daily, species-specific caps apply
Other Waterfowls Season
- Brant — North: Sept. 28-Oct. 31, 2026
- Brant — South: Oct. 1-Oct. 10, 2026; Oct. 29-Nov. 21, 2026
- Brant — Coastal: Oct. 3-Oct. 10, 2026; Dec. 10, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027
- Snow Geese: Oct. 1, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027 — daily limit 25
- Special Falconry waterfowl
- North: Dec. 15, 2026-Feb. 4, 2027
- South/Coastal: Jan. 7-Feb. 27, 2027
- Youth waterfowl days
- North: Sept. 19 and Dec. 12, 2026
- South: Sept. 19 and Oct. 17, 2026
- Coastal: Sept. 26 and Oct. 17, 2026
More Games Season
A few odds and ends worth keeping on your radar:
- Woodchuck, porcupine, and red squirrel: open year-round
- Bobcat: solid late-fall to winter option
- Raccoon: closes December 31, which sneaks up fast
- Coyote: daylight opportunity never really closes, which makes it a useful off-season option when other pursuits are shut down
For this guide, we reviewed the official Maine IFW season dates and bag limits page and the state’s interactive Wildlife Management District map. If you like comparing regulations across the country, you can also browse more state season guides.
Game Units & Public Access
Maine uses 29 Wildlife Management Districts, and those district lines matter a lot. Deer either-sex rules, turkey bag limits, moose opportunities, and many bird dates all change by WMD or by waterfowl zone.
Access is one of the state’s real strengths. There are more than 17 million acres available overall, with over 10 million acres of working forest and farm ground voluntarily open on private land. Maine also follows an implied-permission structure on unposted land, but the unwritten rule is still the smart one: ask first. On public ground, Wildlife Management Areas, some state parks, and public reserved lands can all offer solid options. For WMAs, removable stands left for more than a day need a permit, and baiting or bear trapping there is permit-only.
License Details 🎟️
| License / Permit | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident big game | $26 |
| Resident small game | $15 |
| Resident archery | $26 |
| Resident combo hunt/fish | $48 |
| Resident junior (0-15) | $8 |
| Nonresident big game | $115 |
| Nonresident small game | $75 |
| Nonresident 3-day small game | $50 |
| Nonresident archery | $75 |
| Nonresident 6-day archery | $26 |
| Nonresident junior (0-15) | $35 |
| Resident muzzleloader permit | $13 |
| Nonresident muzzleloader permit | $69 |
| Turkey permit | $20 |
| State migratory waterfowl permit | $7.50 |
| Pheasant permit | $27 |
| Coyote night permit | $4 |
| Expanded archery antlerless | $12 |
| Expanded archery either-sex | $32 |
| Bear permit, resident | $10 |
| Bear permit, nonresident full | $74 |
| Bear permit, nonresident late | $40 |
| Moose permit, resident | $52 |
| Moose permit, nonresident | $585 |
Youth perk: the junior license already bundles several extras, including turkey, bear, muzzleloader, pheasant, state waterfowl, coyote night, and certain expanded archery deer permissions. That’s actually a pretty nice value if you’re bringing a young hunter into the field.
FAQ
Do I need a separate turkey permit?
Yes. A valid license plus the $20 turkey permit is required unless you qualify for a specific landowner exception.
Is there public land to use?
Absolutely. The state has WMAs, some huntable state parks, public reserved lands, and a huge amount of private timberland that is often open unless posted.
Can I hunt on Sunday?
No. Maine does not allow Sunday hunting.
Is night hunting legal?
Night hunting is prohibited except for coyotes during designated periods (December 16, 2025 – August 31, 2026) with appropriate licensing.
Do I need both state and federal stamps for ducks and geese?
Yes. Adults pursuing waterfowl need the Maine state waterfowl permit and the federal duck stamp.
What’s the biggest beginner mistake here?
Not checking the WMD before leaving home. In this state, one district line can change your bag limit or whether the opportunity is even open.
Are antlerless deer permits available in all Wildlife Management Districts?
No. The MDIFW allocates antlerless permits based on population objectives for each district. Some areas may have limited or no antlerless opportunities in a given year.
Are there special regulations for public lands?
Yes. Different public lands may have specific regulations. Always check with the managing agency before planning your outing.
How do I apply for a moose permit?
To apply for a Maine moose permit in 2026, you must have submitted an online application at mefishwildlife.com/moosepermit by the May 18, 2026 deadline (which has already passed as of June 8, 2026). During the application, you could select preferred Wildlife Management Districts, choose a hunting season (September bull, October bull, or October antlerless), name a sub-permittee, and indicate willingness to accept alternate districts or an antlerless permit. The lottery drawing will be held on June 20, 2026 at the Acton Fairgrounds, with results posted online by 6:00 PM at me2026mooseloto.com. Winners must purchase their permit online by July 17, 2026. Non‑residents are capped at 8% of permits. Since the application period is closed, you will need to wait for the 2027 lottery or check for any residual permits after the June 20 drawing.
Prepare for Your Maine Hunt
If you’re heading out here for the first time, plan around district-specific rules, not just species. That’s the real trick. A turkey setup that works beautifully in WMD 24 may be illegal or closed in WMD 5. A deer hunter who doesn’t understand the either-sex rules in WMDs 21–25 and 29 could either miss a great opportunity or make a costly mistake. And if you’re bird-focused, knowing whether you’re in the north, south, or coastal waterfowl zone is every bit as important as picking the right decoys. One more local tip: because so much access depends on private working forest, a quick permission call and a respectful parking plan will do more for your long-term success than any gadget in your truck. In Maine, local courtesy is not fluff; it’s part of the playbook.
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